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Editorial : Rodionenko succession

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At 82, Rodionenko must wish for some rest.  He hasn’t looked well for years, and it can’t have been easy leading a team which has been less than visible since 2016 (when the Russians were neutral at the Rio Games).  


Andrei’s solid work on clearing the way for Russian athletes to compete as neutral was swept to one side by some power or other recently.  That must have been exhausting, humiliating and very discouraging.  I wonder which side of the fence his successor, Andreev, sat on then?  For or against Russian gymnasts competing?  Who will be in, who out?  What is the weather like in Round Lake today, for coaches and athletes?  


Melnikova describes this change as a ‘new era’.  During her recent visit to Italy she was keen to emphasise how friendly people had been towards her, and how much she wanted to compete internationally.


Let’s hope that Andreev is as good a diplomat as was Rodionenko.  And let’s hope for rest and improved health for Rodionenko, who has been looking ashen for some time.

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